Standing in a room packed floor-to-ceiling with art supplies, DiGennaro is constantly reminded of her son who passed away in 2015. "This really is just a reflection on who he was," said DiGennaro. After her sons passing, DiGennaro gave some monies to the Butler Art Institute to provide underprivileged children from the Youngstown area the opportunity to participate in the Summer Arts Programs offered by the Butler. The remaining money was given to the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board to support the services they provide throughout our community. It was shortly after this that the local chapter of the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), led by Hope Haney, requested funds to start a art program, interest and participation grew rapidly with in the first two years.

Heidi Larew, LPCC-S, LICDC-CS, ATCS began working with Alta Care Group and collaborating with the HELMS Foundation in the summer of 2019. With prior experience as an Ursuline college thesis editor and adjunct faculty and clinical supervisor across disciplines, she promotes the development of art therapy in Mahoning Valley. Having served on the Buckeye Art Therapy Association board of directors in the past has given her an edge to understanding connections in the art therapy community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Heidi adapted to virtual program development while also completing a book chapter to further serve clinicians working with individuals diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder.

Sara Stein, Art Therapist, received her MA in art therapy and counseling from Ursuline College in 2022. During her studies, she provided community mental health using art therapy in a variety of settings including libraries, community centers, and residential treatment facilities. Sara works with groups and individuals providing healing opportunities through a variety of media such as drawing, painting, mixed media/collage, clay, and so on. Sara focused her thesis work on children experiencing ADHD and has worked with individuals of all ages and diagnoses. Prior to receiving her master’s degree, she attended Kent State University and received a BFA in fine arts with a focus in ceramics. Sara uses her knowledge of clay and other fine art materials through a psychological lens to provide a person-centered approach to her art therapy practice.

J. David Daniels is the Executive Assistant for The HELMS Foundation. He was a nurse executive for over 30 years having a wide variety of responsibilities and experiences. He has also managed and worked in 501c3 organizations. He has a passion to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

He is married, the father of four wildly successful children and the proud grandfather of eight beautiful grandchildren. He has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Akron and a Master’s in Public Administration from Kent State University.

Laura Marciella, Art Therapist, received her MA in art therapy with a specialization in counseling from Seton Hill University in May of 2019. During her time at Seton Hill, she gained experience working in hospice, bereavement, nursing homes, and family based mental health services providing art therapy as an intern. She worked with groups, individuals, and families using a variety of media such as painting, drawing, clay, fiber art, and so on. Before working towards her master’s degree, she attended John Carroll University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in May of 2014. She also attained studio art credits in painting, drawing, ceramics, and printmaking from Cuyahoga Community College. As an art therapist, she incorporates a variety of media while focusing on an eclectic and multimodal approach to art therapy.

Lindsey Chisholm, ATR-P, LPC, graduated with an MA in art therapy from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods University in 2022. During her internship, she gained clinical experience as an art therapist and counselor while working with children in outpatient and school-based settings. Lindsey is passionate about working with mothers and families and plans to earn a Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C).

Prior to becoming an art therapist, Lindsey was an art teacher for 10 years. She enjoys working with many different art mediums in sessions with clients and in her personal art practice. Lindsey uses humanistic and existential approaches to therapy, and also has experience using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Keri currently volunteers as the Social Media Manager for the HELMS Foundation in addition to serving as a Board Member.

She earned her Bachelor’s in Education from The University of Akron and currently works in Recreation and Education for the Geauga County Department on Aging.

Dianne is passionate about art and psychology, so the field of art therapy was the perfect career for her.  She finds her interventions with mental health clients, memory impaired individuals, and those struggling with anxiety and depression fulfilling and rewarding.

She has extensive experience with Cleveland Clinic Akron General; Akron Children’s Hospital, The Hull Institute for Eating Disorders and the HELMS Foundation. 

She loves making art and helping others. Relationships and family are extremely important to her.